Eclogue was commissioned by Hebrides Ensemble in 1994 and was the composer's last work, not quite completed when he died. Nigel Osborne, Reid Professor of Music at Edinburgh University essayed a small amount of reconstruction towards the end of the piece to prepare it for performance.
The opening oboe melody generates a free floating sequence of musical textures which are a systematic study of solos, duets, trios and quartets, moving through heterophony, canon, homophony, and a general counterpoint.

February and June 1995, Edinburgh.

Edinburgh, 1997.

"...the valedictory beauty of John Bevan Baker's Eclogue..." Glasgow Herald.

"...a short but intense piece...this evocative and moving work - the fitting and final work of an uncompromising composer who never sought the limelight with musical bluster." Scotland on Sunday.

"...a real gift. This pastorale...speaks with a fresh and distinctive voice, full of magical ensemble moments and a haunting poetical lyricism..." The Scotsman.

a work where everything is essential in every way...a piece which concerns itself with the integrity of the musical idea and the authenticity of invention. It is in its small way, a major work, and a moving final statement of a composer of enormous talent and musicianship who chose the path of modesty and truth." Nigel Osborne.